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SUDHIR MITTAL, J. (ORAL) –

1. This petition has been filed for protection of life and liberty. It has been stated that the petitioners are major but petitioner No. 2 is below marriageable age. Their matriculation certificates have been annexed as Annexures P-3 and P-4 as proof of their age. Petitioner No. 1 i.e. the girl came into contact with petitioner No. 2 and they developed intimate feelings for each other. However, parents of the girl were not in favour of the relationship. They started treating her in an inhuman manner, on account of which she left the house and decided to live with the boy i.e. petitioner No. 2. However, the marriage has not been solemnized as petitioner No. 2 is below 21 years of age. Now, the petitioners fear for their life and liberty and despite representation dated 01.10.2020 (Annexure P-5) having been submitted before respondent No. 2 no protection has been granted to them.

2. Notice of motion to respondents No. 1 to 3 only.

3. Mr. Ajay Pal Singh Gill, DAG Punjab, accepts notice on behalf of respondents No. 1 to 3 and waives service.

4. Considering the nature of the order being passed there is no necessity to serve the private respondents or to seek a reply from any one of the respondents.

5. The petition is disposed of with a direction to respondent No. 2 to consider the representation dated 01.10.2020 (Annexure P-5) in accordance with law and to provide protection to the petitioners in case the situation so demands.

6. This order is being passed because both the petitioners are major and have freedom to live in accordance with their desire. The order, however, does not opine upon their social status nor is it a restraint upon taking appropriate proceedings in accordance with law if the same has been violated in the process.

Order accordingly.

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